FHP Launches Holiday DUI Crackdown

by Carmen Dellutri on December 25, 2012

Given the uptick in impaired driving accidents over the holidays, December is Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. As Port Charlotte injury attorneys, we join Florida law enforcement in promoting sober driving this season and throughout the year.

Tragically, fatalities in crashes involving impaired drivers appear to increase significantly during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday period. Last year, more than 1,100 people lost their lives in crashes where alcohol or drugs were involved or suspected, and thousands more were injured, according to Julie L. Jones, executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety.

As part of its efforts to prevent accidents, the Florida Highway Patrol will also participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving crack down between Dec. 12, 2012 -Jan.1, 2013. It will involve sobriety checkpoints and aggressive enforcement of Florida’s DUI laws.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holidays, but also we want driving on our roadways to be safe,” said Col. David Brierton, FHP director. “The Patrol will be out in full force to help save lives, and we are not going to tolerate impaired driving. So remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”

Below are several safe driving tips provided by the FHP:

Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. Even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.

If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.

Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

The Dellutri Law Group is focused on making bad situations better and putting lives back together. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Port Charlotte accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.